Liverpool are “keeping an eye” on West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen ahead of the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.
The Reds did no business in January, which wasn’t a huge shock, but there is no question that new faces will be needed at the end of the season.
Arne Slot will want to strengthen in certain positions, not least left-back, and he will also be sweating about Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all signing new deals.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown talked up the idea of Liverpool signing Bowen at the end of the current season, potentially even replacing Salah.
“Bowen is a fantastic asset to West Ham. Whether he plays out wide or through the middle, he has a level where he produces quality moments every time he’s on the pitch,” Brown said.
“What he’s done there since his move from Hull is quite staggering, really. We speak a lot about players who could make a step up to one of the top clubs, and he’s one of those. I know he’s settled at West Ham, he’s a West Ham player, so that obviously plays a part.
“But sometimes there comes a time where managers come and go, certain things happen at a club, and you start to think it might be time for a new move. You could make the case that he’d be capable of playing for any top team in the country.
“Let’s say Arsenal lost Saka for any reason, Bowen would do brilliantly there. Liverpool have been keeping an eye on him actually, because of the situation they’re in with Salah, Bowen would be the perfect player to come in and replace him. He would be more than capable and he’d do a good job for Liverpool.
“So that might be one they look to do in the summer, even though he’s happy and playing for West Ham, they might see if they can tempt him.”
Good enough for Liverpool?
Bowen is an excellent player who Liverpool have felt the wrath of down the years, with the Englishman scoring three times against them in total.
While he would be a strong squad option for the Reds, there are doubts as to whether he is good enough to be a starter for the best team in Europe currently.
Bowen is also 28 now, so it may not be too long until he drifts past his peak, so Liverpool would be wise to look at a younger right-sided attacking option.
Hopefully, Salah will sign an extension, too, lessening the need to bring in reinforcements in that position, but that remains to be seen.
